VIDEO: Become a modern samurai at the Shi Hoko Kendo Dojo in Olivedale

OLIVEDALE – Kendoka employ the warrior spirit in Olivedale.

March 15, 2018

Nicholas Zaal 1 minute read

The samurai class might have been abolished in Japan in the 19th century, but their millennia-old fighting style with the sword lives on in kendo.

And even in South Africa, nestled away in Olivedale, local kendoka employ the ‘warrior spirit’ and practise this martial art.

The Shi Hoko Kendo Dojo has been running since October last year, and head instructor, sensei Wendy Vermeulen has 10 years’ experience under her belt.

She is a third dan, and competed in kendo for the South African national team in 2014 and 2016.

Vermeulen explained that kendo utilises the samurai fighting style but with a bamboo sword called a shinai, and protective armour.

Points can only be scored during a fight, when one kendoka strikes another with a killing blow, that is to the head, neck, wrist or stomach.

“It is about mental and physical endurance more than anything,” she said.

“It is like a chess game of martial arts because you are always searching your opponent and working out when is the time and place to strike.”

Vermeulen added that kendo improved one’s awareness of their surroundings, use of their senses, speed and reflexes.

She said while this martial art taught one how to fight with a sword, in a normal environment a kendoka could easily identify body language and situations that could be a threat, and physically deal with the threat or, preferably, avoid it.

Grant Maddison, a third dan kendoka said he loved how the sport kept him fit and strong.

First dan, Zayd Gabriel commented, “I get peace when I do kendo. When I put on the armour and step into the warrior spirit everything else goes away.”

Jason Johnson (15) has only been doing kendo for five months but said it had improved his concentration and helped him focus when doing schoolwork.

Vermeulen encouraged anyone interested in kendo to contact the dojo.